In 2014 I walked 500 miles in Spain with the mark III version in my pocket easily slipping it into a ziplock when it rained. At the time it was the best camera for the size and weight and gave me images that far exceeded my expectations. A year later it hiked Ireland. A couple years later the mark V hiked Morocco with the III as my backup. As an amateur it's the camera for me. Discreet, portable, and very versatile. I could go on and on. These are special cameras.
This camera could land you in a neck brace from the virtual whiplash it gives you when trying to figure out its value. Starting with the price, you can score a Fuji X100F or very nearly an Olympus PEN-F with a small prime; or an X-H1 for heaven’s sake! But then, you’re not sticking any of those in a coat pocket, and you’re not getting a Zeiss 24-200 FOV equivalent out front, are you? Then you start looking at other point-and-shoots. ILC’s a plenty, but none that remain compact with a lens with half this range, and none with an EVF (a must for many people, myself included). Once your head stops spinning, you finally realize that even though this camera has compromises, it checks a unique set of boxes and stands pretty much alone in its class, so if it meets your needs in ways no other camera will, its value becomes easier to see and the price easier to justify. Nicely done, Hugh, and a worthy pick.
I am late to the party but here is my take. The RX 100vii can be a very powerful tool once one becomes acclimated to the compact size and cramped controls. First I suggest for most shooting situations the purchase of a small rig grip that fits the camera like a glove and provides a handsome wood grip that makes the RX more enjoyable to handle without adding much size. The lens is pretty decent wide open which lets one keep the ISO’s low. I feel the image quality is just fine right up to ISO 800 and combined with a reasonably fast 2.8 -4.5 lens and effective image stabilization I can hand hold the camera in the gloomiest day time conditions. The RX 100vii also has what I will refer to as world class AF abilities and combined with the impressive burst rate allows the camera to become an effective tool when shooting sports and action. This is not a camera one will master in an hour but like with any camera enough time spent will let the user adapt to the small size. I love mine.
"So. The phonebook. It's... four inches thick, and made of paper that some would consider too thin even for a cheap comic book. It is - no, has been obsolete for at least two decades now, with the ability to store simple data like this on a cheap web server that you can power with nothing much more than a nine volt battery that you can get at a dingy bodega at 3am. But enough with the spec sheet. Let's just get right to it. Shall we? On page one, we see our first phone number - 5314-1509. Those of you who are mathematically aware - or who are somewhat numerate (the correct term for 'mathematical literacy') will notice, straight away, that apart from the first number, and if you can excuse the zero before the nine, and if you excuse the complete lack of a decimal point, you see the number pi. Of course strictly speaking this is not pi - zero, after all, is not the same as nothing. But, hold that thought..."
Great review, and completely agree. I picked up the mark vii in September. Loved it for about a month, then I got the 11 Pro Max. Now, the mark vii is pretty much just an event camera for football games, kid’s activities, etc - things where the long zoom comes in handy.
Hello and thank you for thereview of the Sony DSC RX 100 MK VII. Regarding your comments about the persistent overheating isue in the MK VII, I understood this could be overcome by a new setting in the menu which affects temperature monitoring inside the camera (??). Could you look into this a little further and report to us what happens when you change this setting ? I have the MK V myself, and it overheats in the Summer months and shuts down. It also cuts out anyway after only five minutes of recording if you're in the 4K video setting.
One thing to consider is for those who want to make prints the Rx100 has higher resolution than most smartphones. More ability to crop your images and still Make larger size prints.
I went travelling with a Nikon point and shoot in 2008 and loathed trying to get night shots. I didn't have the knowledge then but I also didn't have the camera. I'm simply astounded in 2019 at what I can get on the Pixel 3a with Night Sight. I have the knowledge now to manual expose on any camera but I don't need it with my Pixel. Smartphones are turning the market for casual photography on its head.
Did you also tested the Canon G5X MarkII? As much as I love my Sony stuff, but I have gone for the Canon, because I think, it's the better photographers camera. It's way better to hold and the buttons are better placed, and you really feel them. Even with gloves, this camera is good to operate. Had it with me on a production in Norway and ended up leaving the A7RIII in the car. The lens of the Canon is, for me, the better tool. With it's 24-120mm F1.8-2.8 I'm not that limeted by the sensor. My mom owns the RX100VI and she always has to switch to her RX100IV, when it's gettin darker. So for me, the Canon sits perfectly in the middle. I also used the Canon for indoor events ans was really surprised, how good this thing is. The way Canon is handeling the ISOs is more effective, than what the Sony does with it's 1" sensors. The videos looking good, but the contrast af is the typical Canon limitation. It could be to good, so lets cripple it. I don't need that af system, so I'm ok with how the Canon works. It's touch interface is years ahead of that, what Sony offers. The Displays are like day and night. Sony, your displays suck. It's the same old tech like we had it in the A7RI etc. five years ago. I don't even get it, why they use these in 2019. For me, the Canon is the better over all camera, with some really stupid flaws. Before you go and buy a RX100VII you really should try the Canon. It's a camera you want to use. The Sonys are a bit to small and not good to hold, even with the grip. No matter how big or small your hands are.
I think the next one will be a little thicker to prevent overheating. I do agree 100% that this is way more capable than a smart phone. And smart phones don't always get the depth mapping right. And as far as other computational tricks, they are either not necessary due to the RX100's larger sensor, or easy to implement in a new firmware update.
Thanks, Hugh. This is exactly the video I needed. For me, the choice has been between the similarly priced Sony RX100 VII and, yes, the iPhone11 Pro, max, etc etc. Attempting to be pragmatic - buying the new iPhone over the Sony means one less object in my pocket - and that alone is pretty significant. That is, as long as the iPhone can deliver, which apparently it can, for the ways in which I would most want to use it - including video. $1300 for a phone is ludicrous. $1300 for a point and shoot is insane. Until one understands the capabilities of these tools. We're in new territory here. Thanks again for the video!
thank you . you are absolutely right. Last October I have driven along rout 66 from Santa Monica CA to Chicago IL, and then continued driving to NY NY. I had with me a Sony aR7III, a Sony RX100-VII, a GoPro7, iPhone X Max, and Mavic Pro 2 drone . 70% of the time I used the a7RIII for its higher-resolution RAW, slow speed, less noise/ISO, wider dynamic range, and better stability when handheld at low speed. 20% I shot with iPhon, both stills and video, for social media and for documenting and taking the trip using various apps. I used the RX100 VII 10% of the time for any time or place that I could not take the R7III, either because of its size or the time it takes to take the shot. I didn't use the GoPro or the drone. Many places I stoped drones where not allowed to use or it took too much valuable time to step and operate. Now one thing you have to take into consideration. the larger the sensor, the higher the resolution, and the larger the dynamic range/ISO, the more options and liberty you have in post processing, crop or print large prints.
Thanks Hugh. Saved me spending AUS$1300 on a VII (yes, they are that cheap now!). I'll stick to my iPhone12Pro as my light carry solution. Although my EM1M3 with three primes (and dinky bounceable flash!) is fairly light too, and far superior to my iPhone's output. But nowhere near as convenient. Pity the primes aren't weather sealed. As they say, the best camera to use is the one you have with you...
Hugh, your delivery is impeccable, I'm British and you're as good as Shakespeare any day! Now, about this 'ere camera, speaking for myself, no viewfinder... no deal. Cheers.
I took away from this very informative video that this camera, with its 1' sensor, isn't really better than an advanced smartphone (except the zoom capabilities). Wouldn't it have been worth mentioning large sensor alternatives, such as Lumix LX100 II or Canon's G1X III? Many thanks Hugh!
Hi still shoot film so this is my first semi pro digital camera. So I’m still pretty green when it comes to digital. I read that some people are making 16 x 20“ prints or even 20 x 24“ prints with iPhones, which is hard to believe. From what they say as long as you stand back and view in the entire image the image still looks very good for exhibition purposes. I just purchased a Sony RX 100 V. What’s your opinion on making large prints with these two cameras, compared? It would be interesting to see some kind of a test comparison between these two cameras in terms of if the quality is acceptable for exhibition purposes a 20 x 24”.
The real key (beyond image size and viewing distance) is the nature of the image itself. I just printed a beautiful 17x22 image from my iPhone 13 Pro Max. Stay tuned for an upcoming video on vacation cameras.
@@3BMEP Ill subscribe. Did you make a video related to making large prints from the iPhone? If you didn’t I’d like to see it one day if you decide to do it. Thanks for your help.
Interesting video No your tools and how to use them No perfect camera or phone. 4K can be used for the full battery charge without a problem Thank you for the video
Ive just bought one in December 2021 and cant find anything better! without spending several £1000s more.... Im at the age when I don't need a workout lugging around my full frame A7 + lenses.But then I'd only end up with an A9 which I don't want. Summing up, if we all still shot on film TH-cam wouldn't exist.
The 4k shut off the camera after 5 minutes? Did you change the settings or just go with what is setup out of the box? This camera can handle 4k for quite a while before overheating.
David Vessel Thanks, man! Gear is in the show notes. I just do a little tweaking in FCPX in post via a process much like an instinctive chef: a dash of this, a pinch of that. 😊
I’m not a fan of the term: „indistinguishable for most people”. For most people, you can mix photos from the newest smartphones, with 5year old smartphone, 10years old point and shoot and film compact and it will make no difference.
Who else has a really hard time taking steady shots with such a light and compact camera? It's honestly not very funny that I seem to need more heavy and massive gear to feel comfortable. 😩
Again the thing with smartphone pics are you just have a frame and a button. A few computational gizmos as well. A dedicated camera has much more functionality. And to me that’s the only thing that matters. I don’t care if the pics looks the same. A button is absolutely soulless to me. Worst than plain vanilla. Sony RX100 VII is superb in the size to functionality department. I have several bodies and lenses from different manufacturers. All have a distinct role. Cell phone…..meh. Double meh. Guess that’s why I still carry a 6S Plus. Use that for email, a call and a text. No more. iPad Pro 12.9 does the heavy lifting. And even that with Lightroom and Photoshop iPad versions has left my MacBook collecting dust. So to wrap it up. Different tools for different jobs.
I love my RX100 VA. Many times I find I like using it for video over my a7R II for its compactness, even over my iPhone 11 Pro at concerts/events. Very crisp 4K and lowlight with that 1.8 aperture and smaller 1” sensor. I unfortunately do have the 5 minute limit versus the newer VII. Cheers Hugh!
May I beg to differ with you by citing an additional advantage over i Phones, which you don't appear to consider ? 1) Removable battery. Once your cellphone battery is flat, that's it. No more shooting. 2) Technology. All cellphone manufacturers have a projected support of 3/4 years. With a rx100 you have a better "lifetime" investment IMHO. David
@@3BMEP I am not anti-cell phone photography, but that one is using a system which is part of an ephemeral technology. Surely one should be expecting a longer life cycle, such as you get with a conventional camera system
Nice review #HughBrownstone "final assualt" hyperbolic lol fun stuff , Exagerate Much Hugh lol im still laughing , again another hard day but you had me enthralled and laughing , Thank you for your reviews and very entertaining and most knowing , I greatly appreciate that Btw, I renewed my patron account
In 2014 I walked 500 miles in Spain with the mark III version in my pocket easily slipping it into a ziplock when it rained. At the time it was the best camera for the size and weight and gave me images that far exceeded my expectations. A year later it hiked Ireland. A couple years later the mark V hiked Morocco with the III as my backup. As an amateur it's the camera for me. Discreet, portable, and very versatile. I could go on and on. These are special cameras.
This camera could land you in a neck brace from the virtual whiplash it gives you when trying to figure out its value. Starting with the price, you can score a Fuji X100F or very nearly an Olympus PEN-F with a small prime; or an X-H1 for heaven’s sake! But then, you’re not sticking any of those in a coat pocket, and you’re not getting a Zeiss 24-200 FOV equivalent out front, are you? Then you start looking at other point-and-shoots. ILC’s a plenty, but none that remain compact with a lens with half this range, and none with an EVF (a must for many people, myself included). Once your head stops spinning, you finally realize that even though this camera has compromises, it checks a unique set of boxes and stands pretty much alone in its class, so if it meets your needs in ways no other camera will, its value becomes easier to see and the price easier to justify. Nicely done, Hugh, and a worthy pick.
I am late to the party but here is my take. The RX 100vii can be a very powerful tool once one becomes acclimated to the compact size and cramped controls. First I suggest for most shooting situations the purchase of a small rig grip that fits the camera like a glove and provides a handsome wood grip that makes the RX more enjoyable to handle without adding much size. The lens is pretty decent wide open which lets one keep the ISO’s low. I feel the image quality is just fine right up to ISO 800 and combined with a reasonably fast 2.8 -4.5 lens and effective image stabilization I can hand hold the camera in the gloomiest day time conditions.
The RX 100vii also has what I will refer to as world class AF abilities and combined with the impressive burst rate allows the camera to become an effective tool when shooting sports and action. This is not a camera one will master in an hour but like with any camera enough time spent will let the user adapt to the small size. I love mine.
The heck with the camera - I would listen to Hugh read the phonebook! Beautiful presentation.
🙏🏻😎
"So. The phonebook. It's... four inches thick, and made of paper that some would consider too thin even for a cheap comic book. It is - no, has been obsolete for at least two decades now, with the ability to store simple data like this on a cheap web server that you can power with nothing much more than a nine volt battery that you can get at a dingy bodega at 3am. But enough with the spec sheet. Let's just get right to it. Shall we? On page one, we see our first phone number - 5314-1509. Those of you who are mathematically aware - or who are somewhat numerate (the correct term for 'mathematical literacy') will notice, straight away, that apart from the first number, and if you can excuse the zero before the nine, and if you excuse the complete lack of a decimal point, you see the number pi. Of course strictly speaking this is not pi - zero, after all, is not the same as nothing. But, hold that thought..."
Great review, and completely agree. I picked up the mark vii in September. Loved it for about a month, then I got the 11 Pro Max. Now, the mark vii is pretty much just an event camera for football games, kid’s activities, etc - things where the long zoom comes in handy.
Hello and thank you for thereview of the Sony DSC RX 100 MK VII. Regarding your comments about the persistent overheating isue in the MK VII, I understood this could be overcome by a new setting in the menu which affects temperature monitoring inside the camera (??). Could you look into this a little further and report to us what happens when you change this setting ? I have the MK V myself, and it overheats in the Summer months and shuts down. It also cuts out anyway after only five minutes of recording if you're in the 4K video setting.
Cool video, thank you. The noisy drop in music segments really don’t work though.
One thing to consider is for those who want to make prints the Rx100 has higher resolution than most smartphones. More ability to crop your images and still
Make larger size prints.
True enough!
The Jeff Goldblum of photography!
I went travelling with a Nikon point and shoot in 2008 and loathed trying to get night shots. I didn't have the knowledge then but I also didn't have the camera. I'm simply astounded in 2019 at what I can get on the Pixel 3a with Night Sight. I have the knowledge now to manual expose on any camera but I don't need it with my Pixel. Smartphones are turning the market for casual photography on its head.
Did you also tested the Canon G5X MarkII? As much as I love my Sony stuff, but I have gone for the Canon, because I think, it's the better photographers camera. It's way better to hold and the buttons are better placed, and you really feel them. Even with gloves, this camera is good to operate. Had it with me on a production in Norway and ended up leaving the A7RIII in the car.
The lens of the Canon is, for me, the better tool. With it's 24-120mm F1.8-2.8 I'm not that limeted by the sensor. My mom owns the RX100VI and she always has to switch to her RX100IV, when it's gettin darker. So for me, the Canon sits perfectly in the middle.
I also used the Canon for indoor events ans was really surprised, how good this thing is. The way Canon is handeling the ISOs is more effective, than what the Sony does with it's 1" sensors.
The videos looking good, but the contrast af is the typical Canon limitation. It could be to good, so lets cripple it.
I don't need that af system, so I'm ok with how the Canon works. It's touch interface is years ahead of that, what Sony offers. The Displays are like day and night. Sony, your displays suck. It's the same old tech like we had it in the A7RI etc. five years ago. I don't even get it, why they use these in 2019.
For me, the Canon is the better over all camera, with some really stupid flaws. Before you go and buy a RX100VII you really should try the Canon. It's a camera you want to use. The Sonys are a bit to small and not good to hold, even with the grip. No matter how big or small your hands are.
I think the next one will be a little thicker to prevent overheating. I do agree 100% that this is way more capable than a smart phone. And smart phones don't always get the depth mapping right. And as far as other computational tricks, they are either not necessary due to the RX100's larger sensor, or easy to implement in a new firmware update.
Thanks, Hugh. This is exactly the video I needed. For me, the choice has been between the similarly priced Sony RX100 VII and, yes, the iPhone11 Pro, max, etc etc. Attempting to be pragmatic - buying the new iPhone over the Sony means one less object in my pocket - and that alone is pretty significant. That is, as long as the iPhone can deliver, which apparently it can, for the ways in which I would most want to use it - including video. $1300 for a phone is ludicrous. $1300 for a point and shoot is insane. Until one understands the capabilities of these tools. We're in new territory here. Thanks again for the video!
Loved your articulation and almost lyrical speech: Smart.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
thank you . you are absolutely right. Last October I have driven along rout 66 from Santa Monica CA to Chicago IL, and then continued driving to NY NY. I had with me a Sony aR7III, a Sony RX100-VII, a GoPro7, iPhone X Max, and Mavic Pro 2 drone .
70% of the time I used the a7RIII for its higher-resolution RAW, slow speed, less noise/ISO, wider dynamic range, and better stability when handheld at low speed. 20% I shot with iPhon, both stills and video, for social media and for documenting and taking the trip using various apps. I used the RX100 VII 10% of the time for any time or place that I could not take the R7III, either because of its size or the time it takes to take the shot. I didn't use the GoPro or the drone. Many places I stoped drones where not allowed to use or it took too much valuable time to step and operate. Now one thing you have to take into consideration. the larger the sensor, the higher the resolution, and the larger the dynamic range/ISO, the more options and liberty you have in post processing, crop or print large prints.
I’m the First viewer of this video, I love your style and delivery of commentary. Great Job!
big fan of the shatner cadence 😂
@@ynwadhd Shatner? This guy is channeling Jeff Goldblum
Thanks Hugh. Saved me spending AUS$1300 on a VII (yes, they are that cheap now!). I'll stick to my iPhone12Pro as my light carry solution. Although my EM1M3 with three primes (and dinky bounceable flash!) is fairly light too, and far superior to my iPhone's output. But nowhere near as convenient. Pity the primes aren't weather sealed. As they say, the best camera to use is the one you have with you...
👊🏻🖖🏻
did you do take off overheating button on this camera or did u review it before this was added?
Darn! I was looking at a compact camera but didn't plan to spend this much, now you have me thinking.
Hugh, your delivery is impeccable, I'm British and you're as good as Shakespeare any day!
Now, about this 'ere camera, speaking for myself, no viewfinder... no deal. Cheers.
Harry Wilde ah, but there IS a viewfinder!
You're right Hugh, I meant a permanent VF rather than a pop-up.
Harry Wilde Fair enough! It IS small.
I took away from this very informative video that this camera, with its 1' sensor, isn't really better than an advanced smartphone (except the zoom capabilities). Wouldn't it have been worth mentioning large sensor alternatives, such as Lumix LX100 II or Canon's G1X III? Many thanks Hugh!
Non of which matters to me, which camera has everything?
They should put an APS-C sensor into a compact. If Ricoh can do it, why can't Sony?
If they did I would grab one in a heartbeat.
@@dragonfist25 The Fujifilm XF10 is a compact APS-C, but also a fixed lens. Maybe putting a zoom on it is more complex.
Carter Yes it would be much better with a zoom lens.
Hi still shoot film so this is my first semi pro digital camera. So I’m still pretty green when it comes to digital. I read that some people are making 16 x 20“ prints or even 20 x 24“ prints with iPhones, which is hard to believe. From what they say as long as you stand back and view in the entire image the image still looks very good for exhibition purposes. I just purchased a Sony RX 100 V. What’s your opinion on making large prints with these two cameras, compared? It would be interesting to see some kind of a test comparison between these two cameras in terms of if the quality is acceptable for exhibition purposes a 20 x 24”.
The real key (beyond image size and viewing distance) is the nature of the image itself. I just printed a beautiful 17x22 image from my iPhone 13 Pro Max. Stay tuned for an upcoming video on vacation cameras.
@@3BMEP Ill subscribe. Did you make a video related to making large prints from the iPhone? If you didn’t I’d like to see it one day if you decide to do it. Thanks for your help.
P30 pro is good enough for me with 5x optical zoom. Rx100vii is about 8.3x zoom right? 1/1.7" vs 1" sensor.
Interesting video
No your tools and how to use them
No perfect camera or phone.
4K can be used for the full battery charge without a problem
Thank you for the video
Ive just bought one in December 2021 and cant find anything better! without spending several £1000s more.... Im at the age when I don't need a workout lugging around my full frame A7 + lenses.But then I'd only end up with an A9 which I don't want.
Summing up, if we all still shot on film TH-cam wouldn't exist.
Very helpful comments.
After it overheats, how long before you can record again?
Fantastic video, thank you!
My pleasure!
The 4k shut off the camera after 5 minutes? Did you change the settings or just go with what is setup out of the box? This camera can handle 4k for quite a while before overheating.
I suspect this is the same issue I had with the a6300: using the Imaging Edge Mobile app to control the camera remotely is the likely culprit.
recently discovered your channel. I applaud your mastery of the pregnant pause. Keep doing......what you're doing.
Todd Richmond 😉
Excellent (as usual) But I think the RX100 VII is to expensive at $1200.
Thanks Hugh, always relevant
Steve Morantz 🙏🏻
Hugh, these last few b/w videos are visually stunning. What is the setup? Your stuff is always beautiful but this is next level. We need details!
David Vessel Thanks, man! Gear is in the show notes. I just do a little tweaking in FCPX in post via a process much like an instinctive chef: a dash of this, a pinch of that. 😊
Photo @7:31 ... You're never getting that CL back, are you? :P
Nope. 😊
What about Nikon Z50... would be much better... Would it?
I’m not a fan of the term: „indistinguishable for most people”. For most people, you can mix photos from the newest smartphones, with 5year old smartphone, 10years old point and shoot and film compact and it will make no difference.
Yes, the imagery was great: barbarians at the gate is a classic.
Who else has a really hard time taking steady shots with such a light and compact camera?
It's honestly not very funny that I seem to need more heavy and massive gear to feel comfortable. 😩
Again the thing with smartphone pics are you just have a frame and a button. A few computational gizmos as well. A dedicated camera has much more functionality. And to me that’s the only thing that matters. I don’t care if the pics looks the same. A button is absolutely soulless to me. Worst than plain vanilla. Sony RX100 VII is superb in the size to functionality department. I have several bodies and lenses from different manufacturers. All have a distinct role. Cell phone…..meh. Double meh. Guess that’s why I still carry a 6S Plus. Use that for email, a call and a text. No more. iPad Pro 12.9 does the heavy lifting. And even that with Lightroom and Photoshop iPad versions has left my MacBook collecting dust. So to wrap it up. Different tools for different jobs.
I love my RX100 VA. Many times I find I like using it for video over my a7R II for its compactness, even over my iPhone 11 Pro at concerts/events. Very crisp 4K and lowlight with that 1.8 aperture and smaller 1” sensor. I unfortunately do have the 5 minute limit versus the newer VII. Cheers Hugh!
Johnson City Aerial Photography LLC Thanks for sharing!
May I beg to differ with you by citing an additional advantage over i Phones, which you don't appear to consider ?
1) Removable battery. Once your cellphone battery is flat, that's it. No more shooting.
2) Technology. All cellphone manufacturers have a projected support of 3/4 years. With a rx100 you have a better "lifetime" investment IMHO.
David
Fair point, though one can use a power bank with a cable to the phone- which I occasionally do. 😊
@@3BMEP I am not anti-cell phone photography, but that one is using a system which is part of an ephemeral technology. Surely one should be expecting a longer life cycle, such as you get with a conventional camera system
As always 👍📸
Nice review #HughBrownstone "final assualt" hyperbolic lol fun stuff , Exagerate Much Hugh lol im still laughing , again another hard day but you had me enthralled and laughing , Thank you for your reviews and very entertaining and most knowing , I greatly appreciate that
Btw, I renewed my patron account
#HughBrownstone i dropped you a small coffee money
No thanks, I’ll stick with my Ricoh griii !
You could sell a dirty old sock to the richest man in the world. Bravo
Boo. LOL